Forensic Nursing Leadership Collaborative

October 21–23, 2026

We are excited to launch the Forensic Nursing Leadership Collaborative (FNLC).

FNLC is an initiative housed within the SAFE-T Center at the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at Penn State. The FNLC was created to cultivate the next generation of forensic nurse leaders while expanding access to expert, compassionate forensic nursing care so that every survivor can receive high-quality care close to home

What is the Forensic Nursing Leadership Collaborative

The inaugural cohort is made possible through the Next Steps Grant from the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators Program. This generous support funds a three-day, in-person leadership institute at Penn State, October 21–23, 2026. 

This inaugural cohort is designed for forensic nurses who are: 

  • Emerging into leadership roles  
  • New to formal leadership positions  
  • Serving as informal leaders within their organizations  

Participants will engage in an interactive learning experience focused on: 

  • Leadership development  
  • Expanding access through technology-enabled models of care  
  • Building sustainable forensic nursing programs  
  • Developing a national peer network  
  • Creating action plans that drive meaningful practice change in their communities  

The window is open. Don’t miss it.

Interested in joining the inaugural October 2026 cohort?
APPLY HERE

Can’t participate this fall??

Join our mailing list to receive updates about future cohorts, educational opportunities, and FNLC announcements

For questions, please contact: info@safe-tsystem.com

This is just the beginning…

We look forward to growing the Forensic Nursing Leadership Collaborative into a national network that supports forensic nurse leaders throughout their careers and strengthens access to specialty violence care across the country.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. We encourage you to join our mailing list [add link] to receive updates about future cohorts, webinars, educational opportunities, and other FNLC initiatives. 

This is an interactive leadership development experience. Participants will engage in small-group discussions, workshops, collaborative problem-solving, leadership coaching, and action planning rather than traditional lecture-based sessions. 

Applicants will receive notification after the review process is complete by mid-August.

Participants will develop an action plan during the institute and will be encouraged to implement a leadership or practice improvement project within their own organization or community. Opportunities for continued networking and collaboration will also be available. 

No. Certification is encouraged but not required. Applicants should have experience or a demonstrated interest in forensic nursing.

While the first cohort is limited to forensic nurses in the United States, forensic nurses working outside the United States are encouraged to sign up for more information on future opportunities.

Yes. Participants will receive continuing education information. Details and hours will be announced as details are finalized.

"Forensic nurses are leaders and innovators in their communities, working every day to ensure survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence receive the expert care they deserve. We are proud to launch the Forensic Nurse Leadership Collaborative to build the skills, networks, and tools that will fuel sustainable SANE programs and expand access to specialty violence care across the country."
portrait of Sheridan Miyamoto
Sheridan Miyamoto, PhD, RN, SANE-P, FAAN
Founder and Director, SAFE-T System and FNLC
"Forensic nurses have built something remarkable over the past several decades, a specialty grounded in science, compassion, and a commitment to justice for survivors. The Forensic Nurse Leadership Collaborative will ensure that the leaders who carry this work forward have what they need to thrive and create lasting change in their communities."
Jenifer Markowitz, ND, RN, WHNP-BC, SANE-A, DF-IAFN
Co-Director, Cohort 1, FNLC

About SAFE-T System

SAFE-T System connects hospitals with real-time SANE nurse support to deliver forensic telehealth care, and ensure compassionate, high-quality sexual assault examinations—anywhere they’re needed.

84 Million

Women

will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes

80%

of hospitals

lack the necessary specialists to provide proper care for survivors

93%

Attrition rate

national attrition rate for specialized nurses
after two years